Congress Plays Lingayat Card In Karnataka

Just ahead of the state elections, the Congress in Karnataka plays the "religion" card with the cabinet recommending the recognition of Lingayats as a separate religion. This is a hugely poltically significant move by Chief Minister Siddaramiah. Lingayats form 17% of the vote bank in the state and many support the BJP. This is a move that could divide the vote and the ball is now in the centre's court. Will the religion card work for the Congress in these elections?